What Happens After You Apply for a Job?

Recruitment follows a simple journey

Recruitment can feel like a bit of a mystery, especially when you're applying for your first job. But most recruitment processes follow a fairly simple journey: Application → Shortlist → Interview → Decision → Offer.

Here's what each stage usually means.

1. Application

First, you submit your application. This might involve sending a CV, completing an application form, answering questions or providing a covering letter.

The employer then reviews the applications they've received. They're usually looking at whether candidates meet the essential requirements and whether their experience, skills and interests appear relevant to the role.

This doesn't always happen immediately. Some employers receive hundreds of applications, so it can take time to work through them. No response straight away doesn't necessarily mean you've been rejected.

2. Shortlist

Once applications have been reviewed, the employer creates a shortlist. These are the candidates they'd like to find out more about.

Being shortlisted is a good sign, but it doesn't necessarily mean you're guaranteed an interview. Some organisations may have another screening stage first.

If you're not shortlisted, try not to take it personally. There may be dozens or even hundreds of applications for one position, and small differences between candidates can affect who progresses.

3. Interview

If you're shortlisted, you'll usually be invited to an interview. This could be online, over the phone or in person.

The employer might ask about your experience, your skills, your interest in the role, how you approach problems, how you work with other people, and examples of situations you've experienced.

If it's your first interview, don't worry about having years of professional experience. Examples from education, volunteering, sport, personal projects, part-time work and other experiences can all be relevant.

Remember, the interview works both ways. You should have the opportunity to ask questions and find out whether the role is right for you too.

4. Decision

After the interviews, the employer decides who they want to offer the role to. Sometimes this happens quickly, sometimes it takes longer. They may need to speak to several candidates, get approval from other people in the organisation or complete additional checks.

If you haven't heard anything immediately, it doesn't necessarily mean you've been unsuccessful. If the employer has given you a timeframe, wait until that has passed before following up.

5. Offer

If you've been selected, the employer will normally contact you with an offer and explain the next steps.

Before accepting, make sure you understand the important details.

• Salary
• Hours
• Holiday
• Benefits
• Working arrangements
• Start date
• Any relevant conditions of the offer

What if you don't get the job?

This is the part nobody particularly enjoys, but rejection doesn't mean you aren't good enough.

You may have been competing against someone with slightly more relevant experience. Another candidate may have had a particular skill the employer needed. Or there may simply have been a very strong field.

If possible, ask for feedback. You may learn something that helps you with your next application. And remember, one application is one opportunity, not a judgement on your entire career.

The recruitment process isn't a mystery

Once you understand what happens behind the scenes, the process can feel a little less intimidating.

• Application: you put yourself forward.
• Shortlist: the employer decides who they'd like to consider further.
• Interview: you have a conversation about the role and your suitability.
• Decision: the employer chooses who they want to hire.
• Offer: you find out whether you've been successful and decide whether to accept.

Understanding the process can make that first step easier

You don't need to know everything about recruitment before you apply. But understanding the process can make that first step feel a little easier.